The University of Providence women’s soccer team isn’t really celebrating Homecoming on Saturday afternoon.

But that’s exactly what it is for Carroll College seniors Talya Vaira and Payton Netz, seniors and C.M. Russell High graduates who will be playing their final soccer game in their hometown.

“I just want to have fun and take it to them,” Vaira said. “And win, because it will be the last time I get a chance to play in Great Falls.”

The game begins at 1 p.m. at Argo Field, where Providence (6-5 overall, 4-3 in Cascade Collegiate Conference action) takes on the Carroll College Saints, a Helena-based squad that is 6-5-2 and 4-0.

“Winning would be the perfect way to say goodbye and to finish our careers in Great Falls,” said Netz.

Of course, a former CMR teammate of both Vaira and Netz will have something to say about that. Eme McLaughlin, the talented Providence striker who has scored 13 goals this fall, will be playing against her former high school teammates.

Carroll College seniors Talya Vaira (32) and Payton Netz (left) will be back in their hometown of Great Falls on Saturday as the Saints take on the University of Providence.(Photo: Grant Hanson)

“Eme has just always been quick on her feet,” Vaira said. “She’s got a lot of speed and understands the game. She’s able to get behind defenses and put the ball in the back of the net. Overall she’s just a really good player. I remember playing with her in high school and she was always getting open. She will be a challenge.”

McLaughlin said both Vaira and Netz are highly skilled players as well.

“Talya is one of the best midfielders I have ever had the privilege of playing with,” McLaughlin said. “She always keeps the midfield moving and I really respect her as a player on the field, and as a person off the field. She is someone who is going to be successful no matter what she does because of her work ethic.”

“Payton is one of the scrappiest players I ever played with or against,” McLaughlin said. “She’s someone who seems to come out of nowhere and get involved in the play. She’s probably one of the most fearless players I know.”

The three former Rustlers rejoiced together four years ago when CMR’s girls, coached by Rob Zimmerman, won the Class AA championship. It is the only state title ever won by a Great Falls prep soccer team.

Payton Netz and Talya Vaira have been soccer teammates since they were young girls growing up in Great Falls.(Photo: Submitted by Rusty Vaira)

That moment remains vivid.

“Definitely,” Vaira said. “We had a really close team and it was our coach’s last year (Zimmerman moved to Billings and is now head girls’ coach at West High). It was really awesome.”

The Russell victory that day came over a talented Bozeman team that featured goalkeeper Devan Murfitt, who is now a teammate of both Vaira and Netz with the Saints.

“That memory has brought a little competitive edge to our team,” Netz said with a soft laugh. “But back then, in the moment, it was the coolest thing ever.”

That’s exactly what Saturday will be for the trio of fast friends.

Vaira and Netz, who are a year older than McLaughlin, have been playing on the same soccer team since they were little girls. The sport means a lot to all of them.

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Former C.M. Russell High star Eme McLaughlin leads the University of Providence women's soccer team with 13 goals this season.(Photo: TRIBUNE FILE PHOTO/JULIA MOSS)

“I’ve made my best friends and my favorite memories playing soccer,” Netz said. “I think it’s brought more for me than just playing the sport. It’s brought so many special relationships.”

And that’s why Saturday’s match will be bittersweet for the lifelong friends.

“Exactly,” Vaira said. “I think we played our first match together when we were 5. We’ve been on the same team ever since.”

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Courteney Shovlin of Montana State Billings and Eme McLaughlin of Providence have been lifelong friends. Now they're soccer rivals.
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Said Netz: “Emotions will run high. They’re our biggest rival, and playing the last time in Great Falls will be pretty special. So I just hope to play the hardest we can play and have fun.”

McLaughlin and the Argos have had a solid season. The former Russell star said she’s looking forward to seeing her good friends on the pitch – even if they’re wearing different uniforms.

“I really respect those two as players,” McLaughlin said. “They have helped shape my soccer experience into what it is and I wish both of them the very best.”